December 12, 2008

Barbara Walters asks Paula Abdul, after Abdul reveals that she told the "American Idol" producers that Paula Goodspeed had been stalking her for 17 years and the producers -- in spite or because of that -- put Goodspeed through as a contestant. Last month, Goodspeed killed herself near Abdul's home.

"[Goodspeed] had been through an audition process with the producers, an audition process with the executive producers, and we were wheeling her in as a huge fan of Paula Abdul," Lythgoe said. "This is what we knew: She was a great fan, she was a lovely girl. And a great fan of Paula."

Lythgoe said doesn't remember Abdul's request to have Goodspeed removed. "This is three years ago," he said. "I honestly say I can't remember the conversation. If Paula said, that's what she said, I believe her."

Lythgoe added: "We've seen over 700,000 contestants. And one has made a terrible, terrible mistake. If you're an odds man, they are great odds."...

"I'm not angry with Paula," he said. "I think Paula's in a position of: 'It wasn't my fault,' and reaching out from that point of view. For her family's sake, it should really be dropped."

I know this comment won't endear me with Professor Althouse but I didn't think my opinion of American Idol could get any lower.

Actually, upon reflection, it really isn't a surprise that they did it considering the show is for a large part based upon publically humilating people on national TV. Bringing in Abdul's stalker would be great for ratings, who cares if she flipped out.

That show is a joke and Simon is one of the most despicable human beings I have ever had the misfortune of listening too.

On a different note: I agree with Letterman. The whole case is at the put-up-or-shut-up point. If A.I. really did bring her stalker in, then Paula should let them have it for causing an unsafe work environment. On the other hand, if Paula's just pulling a diva on people, then this will reveal if the stalking allegation is serious or not.

Last comment: Given that this former producer hasn't denied things (rather, has just done the "I don't remember it" defense), I'm thinking that Paula Abdul's complaint has some validity. She should let them have it.

If Paula Abdul even remotely goes anywhere near an attorney to sue American Idol, not only will she be seen as shitting in her back yard, but whatever endorsements and product deals she has going on right now will dry up in about a nanosecond. She may win the battle but will lose the war.

Obviously none of you have followed American Idol or seen Paula's reality show. In fact Paula is batshit crazy and you can not believe a single thing that she says. I have no doubt that the Producers exploited the situation but the line between the mental capacity of the insane stalker and Paula Abdul is negligible at best.

They are easing her out by introducing another woman judge this year and she is preparing her exit strategy. Paula should have been replaced two years ago and nothing she says is within the same hemisphere as reality.